Optare Versa on 303

[TimBrown]

Optare Versa 30414, Reg. No. YJ13 HJO, put in a rare appearance on Diamond's 303 service between Kidderminster and Worcester yesterday afternoon, Friday 12 June 2026. This bus was new in March 2013 to Weavaway Travel of Newbury with B44F bodywork and is seen working along Grange Avenue, Worcester in both directions.

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[AdamH]

Surprised to see a Versa still in front line service.

[TimBrown]

I've always liked the Optare Versa from a passenger's point of view. The fit and finish of the bodywork, especially the interior, seemed to have more in common with long distance coaches. Once on the move when new, there were no rattles such as found in ADL and Wrightbus products, and these buses had good suspension when new plus they had a high top gear for very relaxed main road cruising at 50 MPH. That said I am told that any buses based on the Solo are a nightmare to work on because of their very low-floor nature. Are there other problems associated with the Versa, I imagine that pointed front could make manoeuvring in tight situations a bit hair-raising? Interesting to hear other enthusiast's and driver's views!

[AdamH]

I've never driven one. First Worcester didn't operate them and while Stagecoach did have a few when I moved there, they tended to live at Ross-on-Wye depot so I was lucky and avoided them.

I say lucky because everyone at Stagecoach tells me they were a dog to drive!

[lrew120585]

The Yeomans example with the Cummins engine was ok to drive as it had a bit of power. The Mercedes engined one and both the Stagecoach ones I drove were like driving a very flat sail boat. A sudden gust of wind would take you off track